Forane® 408A

Product

Forane® 408A refrigerant (R-408A) is a low-ozone depleting, near-azeotropic HCFC-containing blend of R-22, R-125, and R-143a, designed to match the performance of R-502. Forane® 408A is a retrofit solution for medium and low temperature refrigeration systems that are currently using R-502. R-408A should not be mixed with R-502 or used to top off the charge of an existing system operating on R-502. R-408A is not intended for use in new equipment. R-408A contains an HCFC and, as an ozone depleting refrigerant, is subject to phase out according to the Montreal Protocol international treaty and the Clean Air Act in the United States.

Matthew Ritter, global business director for the fluorochemicals group, discussed the EPA Snap ruling and how it is affecting the industry with Ron Rajecki from ACHR The News. Two points were primarily on Ritter’s mind: the portrayal of Arkema as a foreign company, and the idea that the company is anti-HFO. Arkema Inc. has its headquarters is in King of
Prussia, Pennsylvania and employs 3,400 people in 19 states.

On August 8, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a ruling that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not have authority under its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program to ban the use of HFCs solely for their warming effect.

Arkema’s refrigerant business has unveiled three new case studies that illustrate the advantages of retrofitting R-22 systems with Forane® 427A refrigerant, “The Easy R-22 Retrofit™”. The case studies are based on retrofit documentation and were selected to demonstrate the performance of the product in high ambient and other unique conditions that demand outstanding performance.

On January 5, 2017 DOE has issued the final testing rule (Docket No. EERE–2016–BT–TP–0029) that requires all R-407C A/C units to be certified as outdoor unit with no match. This test was originally designed for R-22 “dry ship” units and it puts R-407C units in the same category. R-407C units will not meet this test and will be essentially be out of compliance. The Rule is effective February 6, 2017, the testing certification requirement is effective July 5, 2017.

The R134a market in Europe is set to undergo an inevitable decline from 1st January 2017 following regulatory changes affecting fluorinated gases for automotive air conditioning taking effect on that date. In this sharply declining market, Arkema has decided to put forward to the Central Works Council today a project for the closure of the R134a fluorogas plant at its Pierre-Bénite site (France). This proposed closure would not result in any redundancies.

Upcoming events

National Apartment Association Apartmentalize Conference & Exposition

The 2019 NAA Apartmentlaize Conference & Exposition offers keynote speakers and multifamily housing industry leaders that will inspire you with their dynamic presence – and empower you to maximize your skills at the corporate, community, and resident service levels. Attend Apartmentalize and walk away with renewed energy, stronger connections and countless new ideas. To learn more about how Forane® Refrigerants can keep your renters cool and comfortable, stop by Booth #2058!